Skate Ali is a new series that feels entirely fresh thanks to well-thought-out world building. Crafted by Sam Humphries, Kelly Sue DeConnick, and artist Natacha Bustos, it’s a story set in a not-too-unfamiliar-looking future where skateboarding is illegal and policed by a fascist state. A sport that has always had roots in counterculture, the creative team blends the youthful desire to rebel with a bit of sci-fi mystery and a kickass lead character. All things combined, it’s an exciting start to what could be the indie hit of the year.
Skate Ali #1 lives and dies by its art by Bustos, whose style blends animation-inspired expressiveness with clean, energetic superhero storytelling. You see it in the thicker linework and creative choices, right off the bat, with an establishing shot of a futuristic-looking Los Angeles. Then, in Ali’s design, you get the sense of a well-thought-out character from her long green hair, pink flowing boa around her neck, a cool crop top t-shirt, and reasonable light green pants. There’s a bevy of lively characters throughout the issue, with great expressions and attitude. The skate culture is unique in Ali, as well as among the major clan and other skaters we see later on.
Creatively, this book also works thanks to various layouts. In a game of halfpipe tag, Ali’s opponent, Maria, uses the rush to zip past her, hang in the air longer than possible, and generally look cool doing it. Five inset panels show Maria charged up with a pink glow, while Ali is shown in just two movements. It’s a creative way to show movement and speed.
Courtesy Dark Horse
Right off the jump, Humphries does a great job establishing the world and then Ali. In two pages, we get the sense of a fascist, overbearing government via a sign and Ali’s defiant monologue. Then we see her at the top of a broken-down rollercoaster attempting to do a death-defying jump. She’s fearless, even in the face of “The Man.”
The pacing and plotting are expertly efficient as well. In just a few pages, we understand her living situation with her father and the pressure she’s under with an eviction in sight. One can see how she escapes through skating, and maybe why she’s a ronin, going it alone without a skate clan, even at home. Never skipping a beat, Ali ends up back out after breaking her arm to skate some more, only to run into two skaters. This leads to a match to prove herself and, eventually, to new info on the clan and its culture. This all builds to a cliffhanger that bookends well with the very first page.
Skate Ali #1 is an outstanding debut that combines stylish visuals, strong character work, and confident world building. Sam Humphries and Kelly Sue DeConnick introduce readers to a future where rebellion rides on four wheels, while Natacha Bustos fills every page with energy and attitude. Ali immediately stands out as a protagonist worth following, and the issue never loses momentum as it builds toward an enticing cliffhanger. With its distinct setting and vibrant creative vision, Skate Ali has all the ingredients of a breakout indie series. There’s no doubt this creative team has something special on its hands.
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